"We are looking for a more broad audience," owner Karen Koeppe said. "We want an area where there are more businesses around us and we'll get more walk-ins. This space is excellent, but what we offer, casual and upscale dining, doesn't match the demographics."

Koeppe, who opened the restaurant with her husband, Detlef, in 2012, said they're looking at locations on Newport on the Levee and Covington's MainStrasse.

"We are still in negotiations and I'm not able to discuss details at this point," Koeppe said. She said they hope to have a new location open by September.

Koeppe said there are plans to lease or sell the renovated building at 6415 Dixie Highway.

Detlef Koeppe brought knowledge of German cooking from his native Deutschland. After moving here he'd talk with his mother on the phone to get more recipes.

At the Dixie Highway location, the Koeppes previously operated the German Cuisine deli from 1995 to 2007 featuring sausages and cold cuts, with the memorable slogan out front, "Ooh Mama ... Das ist gut!" Extensive renovations of the building took place before opening the sit-down Steinhaus German Restaurant which featured traditional German fare in a modern, airy atmosphere with occasional jazz and art exhibits.

"It's a fabulous place and has been a business location for many years," Karen Koeppe said. "There's a lot of history here. It's been a good location and the community has been very good to us. We just want to plant ourselves where we have a broader audience. The people who come into our restaurant and love it have been so supportive. We're breaking hearts moving, but they know we need more business. And they will come, no matter where we are. It feels great to have that support."